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Asian decor and Feng Shui
By Damien Pfirsch
Feng Shui and interior spaces
Feng Shui theories stem from the Taoist vision of nature, especially that our environment is animated by various energies. The Taoists categorize natural elements as Yin (the female elements) or Yang (the male elements) and Feng Shui theories advocate to create the right balance between Yin and Yang elements.
The applications of Feng Shui in Asian decor are numerous. In this first part, we will illustrate some Feng Shui rules applying to Asian decor interiors.
1. To enhance the flow of positive energy, corridors and stairways should be wide, sufficiently lighted and uncluttered. This theory is one of the reasons why Asian decor interiors are usually bright and not overwhelmed with too many home decor accents and furniture.
2. Round and smooth features help the development and of positive energy. Wedge-like, knifelike, and arrow-like walls and furniture should also be avoided. This explains why Asian decor advocate circular and round free flowing shapes.
Feng Shui believes do no only influence Asian decor interiors, but also Asian architecture. According to Feng Shui theories, a building should have three main positive attributes: stability, balance and smoothness.
1. Stability: the building should not rest on pillars or be built on a slope. Furthermore, no level (except for the ground floors) should be larger than others.
2. Balance: a construction is considered well balanced if it has a symmetrical architecture. Smoothness: there should be no strong angular features.
These three attributes also apply to Asian decor interiors: smooth shapes, symmetrical arrangements and stable arrangements are the keys to create a soothing and harmonious Asian decor.
Feng Shui and colors
The word Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") which translates to "the wind and the water," is the Chinese art of correct placement. The main goal of Feng Shui is to enhance the "Chi", literally translated as energy, to create a harmonious and positive environment to live in.
Science has shown us that colors can affect mood, actions and emotional and biological responses. Feng Shui beliefs are no different. Here are some examples on how colors are used to maintain, calm or enhance a specific Chi energy in Asian decor.
Red is the most yang (male element color) color. It is linked with fire energy
and associated with luck, probably the reason that Chinese brides wear scarlet red wedding dresses. It is therefore a considered as a very good dominant color for the entrance of a house, to invite good energy in a house. In Asian decor, this color is also represented through most of the house through vivid red home decor accents or furniture.
Another recurrent color in Asian decor is green. Green is yin energy and emblematic of the growing phase of energy. It is also considered to be a color of freshness and peace and therefore a very good color for a bedroom.
Another Feng Shui principle is: the stronger the color, the less is needed for it to be effective. This is why in most Asian decor interiors, backgrounds colors tend to be pale where as accent colors are livelier.
Feng Shui and materials
According to Feng Shui theories, the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) are the keys to create a well balanced and auspicious Asian decor. In this last part, we will consider how Asian decor designers make sure some of these elements are represented in each room.
The first element to consider in a decor is wood, because it is the creator of new life; the beginning of the five-element cycle. In Asian decor, the wood element is incorporated with the use of plants (like bamboo, bonsai or bushy potted trees). The color green is also a way to represent this element and is therefore a recurrent color in Asian decor.
Fire is the most "Yang" elements. Because fire is so strong, it has to be used sparingly in a decor. An ambiance lamp with a red shade or some candles will usually be enough to make sure this element is sufficiently represented in an Asian decor.
The metal element is represented under various forms in Asian decor: silver, gold, copper, and bronze are its main forms of expression. One can be creative when using this element; it could be bronze bowls, copper vases or silver trays. Asian decor designers always look at the shape of the accents and sharp points or angles are always avoided.
Damien Pfirsch is the founder of www.asiannoouveau.com, an online showroom presenting the latest home decor accents and furniture created by Asian designers. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, the website promotes Asian decor exporters to international buyers looking for unique accents to complement their collections.
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